Watches That Look Like Rolexes (Rolex Alternatives)

Written by Paul Morrison
| Last Updated on July 22, 2021

The fact that not everyone can get their hands on a Rolex watch is what makes this brand one of the most coveted in the world.

Aside from a long waitlist, the price of one could easily set you back $5,000 for the most basic model.

Lookalikes are the next best thing when you want the watch without burning a hole through your pocket.

Lucky for you, we know just the best watches to get that same appeal as Rolexes.

Under $100

Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB

Invicta 8926OB

Under $500

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E

Citizen Promaster Diver

Under $3000

Longines HydroConquest L3.741.4.56.6

Longines HydroConquest

Alternative Watches Under $100

Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB

Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Japanese Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 200m

If there was ever a shoe-in for the Rolex watches, it’s the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB watch.

The make and finish of the stainless steel case is done too well for a Rolex Submariner alternative under $100 we almost feel like Invicta “STOLE” Rolex’s idea of a dive watch.

The aluminum bezel doesn’t feel flimsy but functions soundly when turned, especially after a few clicks. The dial, hands, and markers also have a high-polish finish with a date display to boot.

If there’s a downside to this dive watch, it would be that the luminosity is pretty dim and the mineral crystal casing makes it prone to scuffs.

But what really makes the Invicta Pro Diver a solid value-for-money tool watch is the movement. Yes- accuracy is sexy.

The watch uses an automatic movement from Seiko which ensures the wearer a hardwearing movement that will last years.

Aside from being a workhorse, the movement is reliable and has a 40-hour power reserve.

For a watch at this price point, it’s one of the best Rolex Submariner alternatives under $100. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dependable dive watch that delivers on both class and build quality.

Tevise T801

Tevise T801
  • Case Diameter: 43mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm (Brass)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 30m

This Rolex Submariner-inspired watch might look like a million bucks, but this timepiece will only cost you less than $40 on Amazon.

While China-made watches might carry a bit of a stigma, this watch isn’t bad AT ALL for the price.

Just note that, unlike the Submariner, the Tevise T801 is more of a dress watch than a dive watch since the timepiece is water-resistant up to 30m only.

The dial is encased with mineral crystal and has a cyclops eye over the date display, which is a nice feature to have for such an inexpensive watch.

Unfortunately, the lume on this watch is pretty weak, and the bezel and date wheel is wobbly when you try to turn them. Though the movement is decently accurate with a difference of +/-30 seconds a day.

Overall, the Tevise T801 is a great watch if you want to experience a mechanical timepiece that’s also an affordable Rolex Submariner alternative.

Casio Duro Diver MDV106-1AV

Casio Duro Diver MDV106-1AV
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Water Resistance: 200m

If you’re looking for an affordable dive watch that delivers excellent value for money, you should definitely consider the Casio Duro Diver MDV106-1AV. This watch is a ringer for the Rolex Submariner.

With a retail price of just under $50, this dive watch is elegant, sporty, and pretty hardwearing considering the price point.

That’s a hard bargain to give up, wouldn’t you agree?

The stainless steel case is robust with a unidirectional bezel; elevating the already clean design of the black dial. The minimalist design makes this watch suitable for casual or slightly dressier occasions.

However, the watch’s depth rating is really where this dive watch EXCELS.

For a dive watch under $50, this watch is impressively water-resistant until 200m. Its screw-down crown protected by crown guards ensures a water-tight seal.

The dial has a sunburst finish and a date display at the 3 o’clock position; complemented by a minute, hour, and seconds hand that provide more than enough luminosity.

With an accurate quartz movement of around +/-30 seconds a day, the Casio Duro Diver MDV106-1AV is an excellent budget alternative for divers who prioritize build quality without sacrificing design.

Alternative Watches Under $500

Orient Mako II FAA02001B9

Orient Mako II FAA02001B9
  • Case Diameter: 41mm
  • Case Thickness: 13mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 200m

As sound a diving watch the first Mako was, the watch had some accuracy issues and less-than-friendly use when it came to the date window change. The Mako II addresses all that and more.

The lume is especially strong on this dive watch, helped by the markings on the dial that are lined in thin metal which makes the notches stand out in the dark.

The raised chapter ring on the perimeter of the dial is also helpful for marking minutes and seconds. However, this dive watch is encased in a mineral crystal which makes it prone to surface scratches.

BUT DON’T BE DISCOURAGED!

The screw-down crown on the Mako II is arguably an upgrade from the original model. Use it to change the date display, hack the movement, and manually wind the watch.

Being able to manually wind this tool watch is extremely convenient in case the 40-hour power reserve runs out while diving. The movement is also pretty accurate with an accuracy of -+15 seconds per day.

At a retail price of under $130 on Amazon, the Orient Mako II is a no-brainer kind of buy especially if you’re looking for Rolex Submariner alternatives.

Orient achieves functionality and aesthetics effortlessly, making this dive watch one classic timepiece.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Water Resistance: 200m

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is definitely a big tool watch with its stainless steel case size of 44mm.

Even better, the super-lightweight quality of the movement makes this dive watch easy to wear on the wrist.

Coupled with the rubber strap and the fact that this timepiece is water-resistant until 200m, the brand beautifully captures ALL FUNCTIONALITY of a dive watch WITHOUT sacrificing build quality and function.

The watch has an aluminum, fully graduated bezel with an accurate 60-click mechanism that’s easy to turn. The hour markers and date display on the dial fit cleanly and keep the watch easy to read.

Dim lighting is also not an issue- the luminosity on this watch is a beautiful blue tone that is striking against the black dial.

What really sells this dive watch, though, is the patented Eco-Drive movement which was first used by the watch brand. It’s a light-powered technology that uses solar power to drive the watch movement.

Despite that, the brand made sure to include 6 months of power reserve and a mechanism that will lower the oscillator frequency in case the battery is running low.

Overall, the Citizen Promaster Diver is one dive watch you’ll be reaching for even amidst higher-end Rolex Submariner alternatives.

Bulova Marine Star 98B203

Bulova Marine Star 98B203
  • Case Diameter: 43mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.5mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Mineral Crystal
  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Water Resistance: 100m

While Bulova might not be as familiar to watch wearers as the likes of Seiko or Citizen, this watch brand has its own cult following- particularly for the Bulova Marine Star for being crafted so well.

The hour markers and hands are easy to distinguish and are luminous in dimly lit conditions. A handy date window at the 3 o’clock position also nicely rounds out the clean, black dial design.

While the stainless steel case is pretty big, this tool watch has a nice slimness to it that makes it easy to slide under your cuff for formal occasions.

For the Alpha Male, the case size ALONE will call to you.

Since the quartz movement is powered by Japanese quartz, you’ll have to change the battery from time to time but maintenance is minimal and easy to do.

However, it’s important to note this alternative is not exactly a diver’s watch like the Rolex Submariner.

The watch is only water-resistant until 100m and will get you through recreational swimming, snorkeling, or water sports but not deep dives down under.

Overall, the Marine Star is one solid timepiece for people looking for the best Rolex Submariner alternatives under $500.

Elegant and beautifully made, this brand name aces the Rolex Submariner look without the hefty price tag.

Alternative Watches Under $3.000

Longines HydroConquest L3.741.4.56.6

Longines HydroConquest L3.741.4.56.6
  • Case Diameter: 39mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 300m

The Longines HydroConquest is the perfect example of mixing vintage craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology, something Rolex timepieces have also successfully executed.

The ceramic bezel and scratch-resistant crystal give this dive watch a luxury feel, while the protective stainless steel case and screw-down crown ensure this timepiece is water-resistant up to 300m.

Since the watch has curved lugs and bracelet links, the watch sits snugly on the wrist.

Another great feature is the STRONG luminescence. Thanks to the rhodium-plated dial elements inked with white Super-LumiNova, the hands and hour markers glow green in dim situations.

A convenient date display sits where the 3 o’clock Arabic numeral should have been. Despite this, the watch doesn’t lose symmetry or feel cluttered.

Longines sources its movement from ETA, its sister brand, for the Calibre L888.2 which boasts a 65-hour power reserve and a frequency of 25,200vph.

All in all, the Swiss brand delivers a modern dive watch at an accessible price. Considering the high-quality make, the HydroConquest is definitely one of the best alternatives to the Rolex Submariner.

Seiko Prospex SPB143

Seiko Prospex SPB143
  • Case Diameter: 40.5mm
  • Case Thickness: 13mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 200m

At its size, the Seiko Prospex SPB143 sits elegantly but sturdily on the wrist. Add on a sapphire, scratch-resistant crystal, and you have a dive watch that delivers durability on top of luxury elements.

The bezel is smooth and easy to turn thanks to its 120-click design but doesn’t feel too floppy since it’s SNUGLY fitted into the stainless steel case and grips on tightly.

A word of caution though to wearers who like perfect symmetry on their dive watches: The bezel does not perfectly align with the chapter rings or dial markings, being off by a slight quarter of a click.

However, this is almost invisible unless you’re looking at it up close since there’s considerable depth between the inner bezel and the dial.

The sunburst finish on the dial contrasts PERFECTLY with the white metal markings, further upping the high-end finish of this watch. The lume is also strong, reliable, and consistent throughout the dial.

True to the Seiko brand reputation of exquisite movement, the Seiko Prospex SPB143 delivers a strong 70-hour power reserve and offers hacking, manual-winding, and magnetic resistance.

The brand also chose to include a date display which is always helpful with dive watches that are practically used as tools in the water.

Altogether, the Seiko Prospex is an excellently crafted dive watch that has just the right amount of features you actually need.

Though simple, this kind of functionality is exactly what one would find from the Submariner.

Monta Oceanking

Monta Oceanking
  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 300m

Monta takes up stock between the Seiko divers but still sits in the more modestly priced alternatives compared to Tudor and Omega.

However, this level is more than enough for buyers to expect a heightened level of luxury and comfort from dive watches at these price points; and the Monta Oceanking delivers impeccably well.

Starting off with the bracelet that carries fully articulating beveled links, the watch is light and nimble on the wrist and has an easy-to-operate adjustment on the clasp.

The bezel is high-quality ceramic and fully luminescent in the dark, while the case is sapphire crystal. The absence of numeral markings keeps the dial design clean, simple, and legible.

The date display at the 6 o’clock position also gives a new spin on the usual date window design and actually helps keep the symmetry of the watch WITHOUT SACRIFICING functionality.

As for the movement, the brand uses a Sellita SW300 automatic movement that offers a 42-hour reserve power which is more than enough for dive watches like the Submariner.

If you’re new to the brand, the Monta Oceanking is definitely a good watch to start getting acquainted with the rest of Monta’s timepieces.

Though the brand name may not be as visible, Monta delivers the same luxury-make and build quality one would expect from dive watches that are among the better alternatives to the Rolex Submariner.

Alternative Watches Under $6.000

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N-0001

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N-0001
  • Case Diameter: 39mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 200m

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is a dive watch that pays homage to older style elements but still incorporates new technology and a higher-quality make.

The smaller case shape, geometric markings, and bold bezel are a THROWBACK to the original Submariner dive watches from the 50s.

The watch has no crown guards which helps keep it lightweight. Some wearers also see this as part of the elevated design elements that harken back to more retro dive watches.

Convinced, yet?

The Tudor Black Bay doesn’t have a date display like the Submariner does. However, some wearers may prefer that look to keep the design streamlined.

The brand uses an in-house movement (Caliber MT5402) created specifically for the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight timepieces.

This movement provides a 70-hour reserve power and an accuracy of around +2 seconds per day- stellar results for any modern timepiece akin to the Submariner.

On the whole, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight’s biggest charm comes from its versatile design elements that wearers can sport on any occasion.

The old-soul feel makes the Black Bay one undeniably stunning and classic alternative to the Submariner.

Breitling SuperOcean A17366021B1A1

Breitling SuperOcean A17366021B1A1
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 13mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 300m

While Breitling is mostly known for its aviation timepieces, the brand carries a premier line of dive watches with the Breitling SuperOcean automatic series.

Get ready Rolex!

The watch has a ratcheted ceramic bezel which makes it easier to grip when divers are wearing gloves. A Super-LumiNova lume also gives it fantastic readability in dimly lit situations.

Bold Arabic numerals and trapezoidal hour markers keep the dial minimalist and easy to read, and the red, arrow-tipped second-hand makes it even easier to quickly distinguish time.

The watch also has a simple date display at the 3 o’clock position which most Submariner alternatives carry. Nonetheless, the date window adds an extra feature for wearers.

Since the Breitling SuperOcean is marketed for high-pressure diving, the brand used a Calibre 17 automatic movement which is one of the MOST RELIABLE and DURABLE movements of the Breitling brand.

The self-winding movement offers a 38-hour reserve power and an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.

A word of caution for wearers who want to use the Breitling SuperOcean as a dress watch: The chunky case shape and thickness makes this timepiece a little too bulky to wear discreetly under cuffs.

Still, that’s not to say it’s not worth getting your hands on!

This Rolex alternative definitely packs a punch in the design department for anyone looking for sporty, Submariner-looking watches with excellent performance.

IWC Aquatimer IW329001

IWC Aquatimer IW329001
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 300m

IWC and Rolex watches are both touted to be in the same echelon of the most respected Swiss watchmaking companies in the world.

Top-notch at its finest.

Interestingly, the IWC Aquatimer debuted a whole decade before the Rolex Submariner in 1953 which explains the design similarities between the two models.

The brand developed a technology specifically for their diver watches called the SafeDive system, which includes a second crown on the left side of the stainless steel case that helps integrate the internal and external rotating bezel.

This gives the wearer better visibility with enhanced structural support to resist high levels of pressure when diving.

Like several Submariner-inspired timepieces at similar price points, the brand incorporates Super-LumiNova coatings for the watch markers and hands to facilitate quick orientation in low-visibility.

The Aquatimer uses a 30120 Calibre self-winding and automatic movement that has a reserve power of up to 42 hours. Not as much as the 70 hours one would get from a Submariner, but definitely a solid choice.

High-End Alternative Watches

Grand Seiko SBGA229

Grand Seiko SBGA229
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 200m

Grand Seiko is the granddad to Seiko’s already shining reputation for producing reliable watches.

A notch higher on the scale, Grand Seiko’s dive watches are crafted with more high-end materials and a heftier price tag that puts the brand on par with other Swiss watchmakers.

The Grand Seiko SBGA229 is so well-crafted that watch enthusiasts have been pinning it against the Rolex Submariner for years, with Grand Seiko winning out on the quartz movement and accuracy.

The hybrid quartz-mechanical Spring Drive caliber 9R65 boasts an accuracy of just +1 second per day over the Rolex Submariner’s +2 seconds. The watch also has a 72-hour reserve power.

A rotating bezel with 60-minute markings and luminous pip surrounds the watch dial. The LumiBrite technology helps the hour markers and hands stand out in dim lighting.

Overall, one of Grand Seiko’s biggest selling points is also it’s comfortable to wear on the wrist.

Some wearers even claim that this alternative is even MORE COMFORTABLE than the Submariner or other alternatives.

The bracelet’s edges are faceted so the links will glide rather than bite into your skin, and the three-fold clasp includes four micro-adjustment notches to ensure the best fit.

The bracelet also has an extension mechanism that can add 3cm of length, just like the Submariner. This feature makes this watch easy to fit over a wetsuit if you’re wearing the watch on dives.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 13.5mm (Stainless Steel)
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
  • Bezel Direction: Unidirectional
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Water Resistance: 300m

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300m is probably the most pitted alternative against the Submariner in terms of price point, design, and exclusivity.

The Seamaster’s dial is where Omega really makes its mark.

Encased in a ceramic bezel, the dial has a laser-etched wave pattern iconic to the Seamaster brand. Despite the bold dial pattern, the watch isn’t hard to read.

A quirky feature on Seamaster models is the helium escape valve (HEV) which is manually operated by the wearer to activate it, as opposed to most dive watch models where the HEV operates automatically.

The HEV activates the water-resistant feature of the watch, so if you forget to unscrew it, the water-resistance drops to 50m from 300m. This valve just prevents the crystal from popping out due to pressure.

The brand’s Caliber 8800 automatic movement is self-winding with a reserve power of 55 hours. This also makes Omega Seamaster dive watches RESISTANT to magnetic fields.

If you’re looking for an entry-level diving watch whose looks are on par with the Submariner, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m is more than enough for your needs.

In case you’re looking for models to take on deeper explorations, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is water-resistant all the way up to 600m.

Conclusion

Aside from considering your budget, looking for Rolex Submariner alternatives all comes down to your desired depth of functionality.

But if we’re just talking about design, suffice to say every watch brand offers their own classic spin on the Submariner. From affordable to high-end luxury timepieces, there’s a watch for everyone.

About Paul Morrison

For years I’ve been buying and selling watches as a hobby, which led me to the decision of starting Watch for Tomorrow. I write a lot of the content, and I enjoy doing it. The most important aspect for me is the guidance of buying watches as well as avoiding bad ones. There are many bad watches out there, that are just too expensive. Hopefully, I can help you find your dream watch!